Indeterminate
In plain language
The scan shows a finding, but the available images do not establish exactly what it is.
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3 things to know first
- It means uncertain, not malignant. The scan cannot confidently classify the finding.
- The next step depends on context. Prior scans, another imaging method, or clinical information may resolve it.
- Read the recommendation. The impression may explain whether and when follow-up is needed.
What it is
“Indeterminate” is a description of diagnostic uncertainty. A radiologist may see a small lesion or an unusual appearance but lack enough imaging features to call it a cyst, scar, infection, tumor, or another specific condition. It does not assign a fixed probability of cancer.
Why it appears on your report
Some findings are too small to characterize, are partly hidden by motion, or look similar across several conditions. A CT without contrast, for example, may answer a different question from a dedicated contrast-enhanced MRI or ultrasound. Previous images and the reason for the exam can also change the interpretation.
How serious is it
The word alone does not tell you how serious a finding is. Location, size, growth, imaging features, symptoms, and personal history matter. Some indeterminate findings need no action; others need planned follow-up or a specialist assessment.
When to seek care urgently
Seek prompt care for severe new symptoms such as sudden weakness, severe chest or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or significant breathing difficulty. Urgency should come from symptoms and the report's specific recommendation, not from this word alone.
What usually happens next
- Review the full impression and the radiologist's recommendation.
- Ask whether prior scans are available for comparison.
- Discuss whether follow-up imaging, a different test, or no further test is appropriate.
A simple analogy
A distant shape in a photograph can be visible without being clear enough to identify. A closer view or an older photograph may answer the question.
Further reading
See this term explained on your own scan
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